- monitor building code revisions affecting log buildings
- and offer information to log builders and the public.
This Association originated back in the 1980s. Our first log building tutor B. Allan Mackie came from Canada intending to teach one course. The interest was so great that he ended up teaching three.
Why do we love log houses? Safe
The interlocked walls will not collapse in an earthquake. The logs are difficult to burn (despite being wood) as the log surface will first char, protecting the rest of the log.
Environment
The embodied carbon in a log is stored for the life of the house or longer as the logs can be re-purposed if the house is dismantled. New Zealand log houses are usually made with logs from exotic, plantation trees, often replaced upon harvest. The log's thermal mass aids with interior heating and cooling.
Health
Surrounding yourself in wood is peaceful and calming with fewer interior chemicals and coatings found in conventional homes.
Conferences
Our 2023 biennial conference in Palmerston North was a huge success! Our next conference location will be in Geraldine in the beautiful South Island in 2025 as we get together every 2 years. You are welcome to join us at that time when we share news, ideas and friendship. Contact secretary@logbuildingnz.org.nz for more information.
We invite you to become a member. Annual membership includes our newsletter "No Problem!", named after Allan Mackie's favorite response to any challenge. You can choose to have the newsletter emailed ($75 per year) or posted ($100 per year). See "Links" for an example. Members receive a discount on CUTEK ,wood stabiliser plus have ready contact with log builders, owner-builders and folks who live in and love their log homes.
We also offer annual log building courses
- check them out!
Log Building Course
Next Course 10th - 26th March 2025
Register NOW by emailing us
Our 13 day log building course is held in Geraldine NZ once a year. We limit the number of students to 8 so everyone gets the attention they need. Click on the 6 page Course Handbook for all the details.
The course is held in an active log building yard so you have access to all the tools and equipment you might ever need when building your own log house. As well as the tutor, there are professional log builders on site who can help with questions or demonstrate a procedure.
Total cost $3400 NZD
A deposit will be required to secure your place, the balance is due about a month before the course starts.
